Product Demonstration System and Method

• US 20080100695A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 05/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: McCoy, Richard, Ebrom, Matthew, Glotzbach, Mark
• Granted Patent: US 8,682,735 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/14.08
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/58 Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/05 for wireless communication between components, e.g. for remote monitoring or control
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/32 characterised by graphical features, e.g. touchscreens
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0258 Registration
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0611 Request for offers or quotes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces

Abstract

Conducting a video conference as part of the operation or demonstration of an appliance.

Claims

1. A method of demonstrating an appliance, comprising:

providing an appliance comprising multiple components that are operated by a microprocessor controller having a multimedia user interface to implement a cycle of operation;

executing an updatable demonstration software on the microprocessor controller to effect a demonstration of the appliance; and

establishing a video conference over the multimedia user interface between a sales representative and a consumer to enable interaction between the sales representative and the consumer during the demonstration.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the sales representative controls the demonstration by interacting with the demonstration software.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the sales representative selects which of the multiple components to activate as part of the demonstration.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the sales representative sends information to the customer over the multimedia user interface.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the sales representative adds a current owner of the product to the video conference.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the current owner interacts with the consumer.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the appliance is configured to perform a useful cycle of operation to complete a physical domestic operation on an article.

8. A method of operating an appliance, comprising:

providing a first appliance configured to perform a useful cycle of operation to complete a physical domestic operation on an article, the first appliance having a multimedia interface;

providing a second appliance configured to perform a useful cycle of operation to complete a physical domestic operation on an article, the second appliance having a multimedia interface; and

establishing a video conference connection between the first and second appliances such that a person at the first appliance can video conference with a person at the second appliance.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the first and second appliances are connected over a communications network.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the first and second appliances are connected in a peer-to-peer relationship.

11. A method of demonstrating an appliance, comprising:

providing an appliance comprising multiple components that are coupled to and controlled by a controller having a user interface to implement a cycle of operation, with an internal communication network coupling the components to the controller;

providing a smart device having video conferencing functionality coupled to the internal communications network and having a demonstration software capable of assuming control of the user interface and the at least one component;

executing an demonstration software on the microprocessor controller to effect a demonstration of the appliance; and

establishing a video conference over the smart device between a sales representative and a consumer to enable interaction between the sales representative and the consumer during the demonstration.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the sales representative controls the demonstration by interacting with the demonstration software.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the sales representative selects which of the multiple components to activate as part of the demonstration.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the sales representative sends information to the customer over the smart device.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the appliance is configured to perform a useful cycle of operation to complete a physical domestic operation on an article.